Chartered Accountancy vs. Engineering

Many students pass Class 12 totally confused about what to do next. Since there are innumerable options today, students often get puzzled while chalking out a career plan. Stiff competition, parental and peer pressure add to the stress.

Before rushing into options, students must assess their aptitude, skills, areas of interests and the fields they wish to work in. Basis the assessment, students can spend time thinking about the career choices they can make.

For those who have a thing for number crunching, Chartered Accountancy can be an exciting career. Engineering, on the other hand, is one of the most sought after career options for inquisitive science students.

Chartered Accountancy vs. Engineering

Chartered accountancy is primarily about accounting, auditing and taxation. A chartered accountant is trained in various aspects of finance and accounting. The job of a CA is to help companies and individuals in tax planning and compliance.

Skills needed to become a CA

Highly analytical mind

Quantitative aptitude

Reading habit to stay updated

Ability of strategic management

Ability to get into details without losing the larger perspective

Integrity and perseverance

How to become a CA

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the only body that awards the CA qualification. Steps to becoming a CA are: After Class X, enroll for the Common Proficiency Test (CPT). Prepare for the CPT in your Plus Two. Take the CPT after Class XII exams. Clear CPT and Class XII. Register for the Professional Competence Course (PCC), articled training and 100-hour Information Technology Training (ITT).

After ITT and the specified duration of articleship, sit for the Professional Competence Exam (PCE). Take up the CA final course. You may do the general management and communication skills (GMCS) course in the last 12 months of your articleship, while pursuing the final course. Finish the 3.5-year articleship. After practical training, pass the final exam and finish the GMCS course.

Engineering is the art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social and practical knowledge to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that improve the lives of people.

Skills needed to become an Engineer

Attention to detail

Technical knowledge including excellent mathematical skills

Ability to analyze and interpret

Good communication

Has to be inquisitive

Team player

How to become an Engineer

To become an engineer you need to have Bachelor’s in Technology (B.Tech) degree or Bachlelor’s in Engineering (B.E) degree. A bachelor’s programme is of four years’ duration. To specialize further, aspirants can opt for a master’s degree which could be M.E or M.Tech, which is for two years.

These days, there is an option for integrated M.Tech course of five years, with which a student can earn two degrees - B.Tech and M.Tech. If you are interested in this, you should have completed your higher secondary with subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics. Admission to the engineering colleges is based upon entrance exams at all India level or state level.